Page 139 of Asystole

Declan nods.

“It’s a small world,” he deadpans, his mask sliding back into place. “Now, what do we have to do to make you come back? Name your terms.”

Logan and I share a glance.

“He’s not giving up his gig with the Coast Guard,” I declare before Logan can argue. “He can do a lot of good for them.”

“But it’s contract work, so who knows how long I’ll be with them,” he adds. “I want to set my schedule six months in advance. I want day-shift only.” Looking at me while talking to them, he says, “My priorities have shifted and my evenings belong to my family.”

Me. He’s talking about me. My heart swells in my chest.

“I want total control over when I accept a call vs when I don’t, and I sure as hell don’t ever want to be grounded over fuel costs again,” he declares, gaining speed.

“Done,” Declan says.

David looks bewildered. “Now, hold on just a second.”

But Dr. Porter does not, in fact, hold on.

“David,” he says, addressing the hospital CEO by his first name. Dude’s got some giant balls, I’ll give him that. “I make as much money for this hospital as Cain Rosemont, and if he’s taught me anything, which I begrudgingly admit, it’s that you need us. Since Life Flight retrieves my trauma patients. I need someone willing to do whatever it takes to get them to me while they still have a fighting chance. Someone who doesn’t cower under bureaucratic bullshit or Mother Nature’s temper tantrums. Mr. Kirkland has proven he’s willing to rage against both, making him the man I want for the job. Now, hire him back and agree to the terms, or perhaps I’ll see if Mass General is looking to expand their trauma center.”

“Blackmail, Dr. Porter? That seems beneath you,” David sneers.

“Does it?” Declan replies calmly.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, David finally sighs in agreement.

Once he does, Dr. Porter rises.

“Excellent doing business with you all. Sarah, Dr. Matthews comes with my highest recommendation. I’ll have the letter sent over first thing in the morning.” Swinging his eyes to me, Declan says, “Perhaps you’ll be on time for her.”

And then he’s gone.

“Dr. Matthews, it’s an honor to have you join us at Dana-Farber. I must ask one more time if you’re certain this is where you want to be? I’m sure you’re aware that changing residencies once can be overlooked, but changing a specialty twice could significantly impact your options moving forward.”

I nod, unable to hide my grin.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m aware. Pediatric oncology is where I should have been from the start. I’m excited to get started, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to make up for the time I’ve lost.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

Over the next hour, I sign paperwork with Sarah at one end of the table while Logan does the same with David at the other. After reading each line meticulously, we place our final signatures on the documents.

Mine came with a massive pay increase, and Logan now has two sources of income. Things are certainly looking up.

As we exit the conference room, Logan wastes no time taking my hand.

“Let’s grab a bite to eat and then give the happiest goodbye to our favorite patient.”

Chapter 51

Logan

The entire staff on the sixth floor lines the hallway as Marcy and Helen prepare to leave the pediatric cancer floor for the last time.

I wouldn’t miss this for the world, but I’m also content to stand back and let those who have been involved in Marcy’s care day in and day out have their moment with her.

She gets to ring the bell, signaling that she is cancer-free.